Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Bellingham contractors seek approval to extend work hours on the Padden Creek fish passage project into overnight hours to avoid significant delays. Currently limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. shifts, Faber Construction aims to complete essential in-water tasks before the state's September 30 deadline. The City Council will review the noise ordinance request on Monday.
Environmental organizations urge Whatcom County to scrutinize operations at the AltaGas Ferndale Terminal, which seeks permits for new projects. Friends of the San Juans advocates for a full Environmental Impact Statement, citing risks from increased vessel traffic in the Salish Sea. Public comments on the projects are due by September 17.
A Skagit County woman, Yan Li, received a 45-day home confinement sentence and an $1800 fine for illegally trafficking wildlife parts. Li purchased waterfowl carcasses and black bear parts, including gallbladders and paws, from an undercover agent, prompting an investigation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The case highlights the illegal wildlife trade's impact and the enforcement efforts to combat it.
Whatcom Fire District 7 proposes a levy lid lift to fund essential emergency services in Ferndale this November. The measure aims to restore the levy rate to $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed value, adding $18 monthly for homeowners with a $500,000 property. Increased call volumes and aging infrastructure necessitate this funding for 24-hour staffing and improved response times.
Crews from the City of Bellingham will remove dead trees along Lakeway Drive starting this week. The work will take place on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is expected to conclude within three weeks, followed by replanting efforts.
Washington has surpassed California as the state with the highest gas prices in the U.S., averaging $4.66 per gallon. The recent surge of 20 cents per gallon is linked to the temporary shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, although relief is expected as the pipeline resumes operations and demand declines.
The Seattle Seahawks secured their first win of the season, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-17, aided by a special teams blunder. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp combined for 190 receiving yards, while Kenneth Walker III contributed 105 rushing yards and a touchdown. Seattle will host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.
Anacortes High School hosts a marquee football matchup tonight as the top-ranked Seahawks face the sixth-ranked Mariners in Week 2 of the prep football season. Elsewhere, several other local teams are in action, including Mount Baker and Meridian, with coverage starting at 6:00 PM. The Seahawks also prepare for a game against the Steelers, while the Mariners lead the AL West after a recent win.
Whatcom County has finalized contracts with four firms to design and build a new jail in Ferndale, scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The project will combine the expertise of local and national companies, with a completion target set for summer 2028. County Executive Satpal Sidhu expressed confidence in the selected teams, highlighting local industry involvement.
Two Ferndale businesses, Outlaws Saloon and Griffintown’s Cozy Corner Books, are set to close permanently. Outlaws Saloon has operated for over 14 years, while Cozy Corner Books is holding clearance sales before its closure this Saturday.